In a remarkable gesture of recognition, the councilors of Teresina unanimously passed a motion of praise for Frei Gilson, presented by Councilor Samantha Cavalca on March 18, 2025. This action acknowledges the profound impact that Frei Gilson has had on the Brazilian population through his acts of evangelization, particularly via social media.
Samantha Cavalca (PP) highlighted Frei Gilson as a "phenomenon of humility and simplicity" who brings messages of hope, love, transformation, healing, conversion, forgiveness, respect, and faith to Christians, especially to those in Teresina. She also drew attention to the priest's experiences of ongoing religious persecution due to his evangelization work.
Frei Gilson, 38, hailing from São Paulo and a priest since December 2013, has become a significant figure in Brazil's religious landscape. He is associated with the Carmelite Order and boasts an impressive following of more than 7.5 million on Instagram and over 6 million subscribers on YouTube. His channels, known for their prayer sessions, regularly attract millions, often exceeding 1.3 million live viewers per broadcast.
These sessions, particularly his live broadcasts of the Rosary, have cultivated a thriving movement of faith, initially ignited by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Frei Gilson explains, "I feel that God inspired me to pray the Rosary for 40 days," which led him to conduct the Rosary online daily, primarily at 4 AM. This remarkable initiative not only acts as a source of spiritual support for many but also fosters a vibrant community of believers. During Lent of 2025, the broadcasts typically occur at 3:40 AM, adding a layer of urgency and spirituality to the early morning hours.
The Rosary practice with Frei Gilson gained significant popularity, attracting a diverse audience keen on uniting in prayer. Many participants have reported an invigorated sense of faith and community ties, as one attendee, Ana Luiza Cruz, noted, "Many people say this practice helped them rekindle the flame of faith," thanks to the spiritual energy derived from these early morning prayers.
Notably, Frei Gilson's live broadcasts have also included guest appearances by various well-known figures in Brazilian culture. For instance, on March 20, he featured the famed musician Mano Walter and his wife, Débora, to share prayers during the Rosary. The event led to a display of emotional connection, touching the hearts of those present as Walter serenaded attendees with songs like "Terra Serra" and "Deixa Deus Sonhar em Ti"—two popular pieces by Frei Gilson himself.
This broad reach on social media and platforms such as Facebook and Instagram has enabled numerous individuals from all over the globe to participate in the Rosary sessions. As technology continues to facilitate spiritual connections, many attendees share experiences and prayer requests, forging robust networks of support and mutual encouragement amongst participants. "This union is not just human but divine," asserts Frei Gilson, reflecting on the collective strength that these prayer gatherings engender.
As Lent progresses, the significance and participation in these gatherings surge, cementing the Rosary with Frei Gilson as a central aspect of many believers' spiritual routines. The environment fostered during these sessions is marked by sincerity and a shared desire for renewal, resulting in heightened attendance, often exceeding three million connected devices during his events.
For those interested in joining the movement, Frei Gilson's live sessions can be accessed through multiple online platforms, including YouTube, where viewers can find him on his official channel, and through an app called "Oração Play!" that provides further spiritual resources. These platforms facilitate easy access to the diverse range of content he offers, from prayers to inspirational music.
Overall, Frei Gilson's live broadcasts have reshaped the spiritual landscape for many Brazilians seeking connection and consolation during trying times. The recent motion of praise serves not only as a testament to his influence within the community but also highlights the growing intersection of faith and digital engagement.
